Alpha Chi Omega
November 2015
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, December 9, 6:00 PM--KOK Holiday Extravaganza at Karina Shaver's Home
We'll kick off the evening with shopping for a good cause from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This is your chance to pick up fun last-minute gifts brought to you by vendors (most of them Alpha Chis) who have agreed to make a donation to support Iota Nu and Kappa Lambda. Check out the full list:
Stephanie Sibley--mouthwatering jams, preserves, chutneys, and dips
Susan Werner--luscious English Toffee
Amanda Scarski--stunning photography
Alexa Apallas--massage lotions and other intimacy enhancers by Passion Parties
Stacey Hoy--beautiful, customizable jewelry by Origami Owl
Rebecca Traverso--high-end skincare by Rodan & Fields
Lauren Shakowski--gorgeous makeup by Mary Kay
You can also shop our silent auction. We're creating gift baskets for your bidding pleasure, and again, proceeds will go to Iota Nu and Kappa Lambda. If you'd like to donate an item for the silent auction (this could be any little gift, even a plate of baked goods), please contact Maya Botvinick.
Then it's time for the "My Favorite Things" gift exchange! To participate, bring one item in the $10 to $15 range that you absolutely love. We'll draw names to determine the lucky recipients of our favorite things, and we'll also take a few minutes to talk about why the item we brought is special to us.
We'll all enjoy a festive holiday potluck, with a wide array of sweet and savory finger foods, and wine (of course). It's going to be an amazing night. We hope to see you there. RSVP to Selby Werner.
Philanthropy--Collecting gift cards from Target, Kohl's, Ralphs, and Vons for the Embrace-a-Family program, which helps ensure all local families have a joyous holiday season.
Thursday, December 17, 11:30 AM--Lunch Bunch meets at The Crossings, 5800 The Crossings Drive, Carlsbad. RSVP to Stephanie Sibley.
Wednesday, January 13, 6:00 PM--KOK Skills Swap, Location TBD
Philanthropy--Collecting items to include in care packages for the military in Afghanistan.
We'll kick off the evening with shopping for a good cause from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This is your chance to pick up fun last-minute gifts brought to you by vendors (most of them Alpha Chis) who have agreed to make a donation to support Iota Nu and Kappa Lambda. Check out the full list:
Stephanie Sibley--mouthwatering jams, preserves, chutneys, and dips
Susan Werner--luscious English Toffee
Amanda Scarski--stunning photography
Alexa Apallas--massage lotions and other intimacy enhancers by Passion Parties
Stacey Hoy--beautiful, customizable jewelry by Origami Owl
Rebecca Traverso--high-end skincare by Rodan & Fields
Lauren Shakowski--gorgeous makeup by Mary Kay
You can also shop our silent auction. We're creating gift baskets for your bidding pleasure, and again, proceeds will go to Iota Nu and Kappa Lambda. If you'd like to donate an item for the silent auction (this could be any little gift, even a plate of baked goods), please contact Maya Botvinick.
Then it's time for the "My Favorite Things" gift exchange! To participate, bring one item in the $10 to $15 range that you absolutely love. We'll draw names to determine the lucky recipients of our favorite things, and we'll also take a few minutes to talk about why the item we brought is special to us.
We'll all enjoy a festive holiday potluck, with a wide array of sweet and savory finger foods, and wine (of course). It's going to be an amazing night. We hope to see you there. RSVP to Selby Werner.
Philanthropy--Collecting gift cards from Target, Kohl's, Ralphs, and Vons for the Embrace-a-Family program, which helps ensure all local families have a joyous holiday season.
Thursday, December 17, 11:30 AM--Lunch Bunch meets at The Crossings, 5800 The Crossings Drive, Carlsbad. RSVP to Stephanie Sibley.
Wednesday, January 13, 6:00 PM--KOK Skills Swap, Location TBD
Philanthropy--Collecting items to include in care packages for the military in Afghanistan.
Sister Snaps
Watch this space for news of your sisters' major life events, such as notable career achievements, engagements, marriages, and births. We'll also share fun photos of Alpha Chis at KOK events and out and about in the community. Please submit news and photos to Alexa K. Apallas.
Lunch Bunch
On November 19, Lunch Bunch met at Casa di Bandini for a tasty Mexican feast. Pictured below are Jan Pelletier, Melinda Neal, Pauline Nutt, Joan Jensen, Maya Botvinick, Sandra Evans, Donna Poey, Alexa Apallas, Stephanie Sibley, and Linda Sheldone.
Lunch Bunch
On November 19, Lunch Bunch met at Casa di Bandini for a tasty Mexican feast. Pictured below are Jan Pelletier, Melinda Neal, Pauline Nutt, Joan Jensen, Maya Botvinick, Sandra Evans, Donna Poey, Alexa Apallas, Stephanie Sibley, and Linda Sheldone.
KOK November Meeting
Our headshot event was a lot of fun, and we're all looking forward to seeing the professional pictures. In the meantime, check out Alpha Chi Omega alumna initiate Carissa Hover throwing up the Alpha Chi Omega sign alongside Selby Werner and Alexa Apallas. Thanks to Selby and Carissa for hosting the event!
Our headshot event was a lot of fun, and we're all looking forward to seeing the professional pictures. In the meantime, check out Alpha Chi Omega alumna initiate Carissa Hover throwing up the Alpha Chi Omega sign alongside Selby Werner and Alexa Apallas. Thanks to Selby and Carissa for hosting the event!
Support an Indie Artist
Sandra Evans, a new member of KOK, has been chosen to exhibit her artwork at Futures at the House of Blues in San Diego on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. The event is put on by RAW, an organization dedicated to showcasing indie talent in visual art, film, fashion design, music, performance art, hair and makeup artistry, and photography. Sandra will be exhibiting under the name Sandy Bee. Let's all show our support for our sister by attending this fun event--tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance or for $25 at the door. If you purchase tickets in advance, be sure to indicate that your purchase is meant to be credited to Sandy Bee!
Jewelry for a Good Cause
Stacey Hoy will be selling Origami Owl jewelry at the KOK Holiday Extravaganza on December 9, but you can also order online to take advantage of some amazing Black Friday deals. Stacey and her daughter Lilly are thankful for all the blessings that Alpha Chi Omega has given them, so to show their gratitude, Stacey will make a donation to Alpha Chi Omega based on her Black Friday sales. Buy a gift for a friend, or treat yourself--it's for a good cause!
Sandra Evans, a new member of KOK, has been chosen to exhibit her artwork at Futures at the House of Blues in San Diego on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. The event is put on by RAW, an organization dedicated to showcasing indie talent in visual art, film, fashion design, music, performance art, hair and makeup artistry, and photography. Sandra will be exhibiting under the name Sandy Bee. Let's all show our support for our sister by attending this fun event--tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance or for $25 at the door. If you purchase tickets in advance, be sure to indicate that your purchase is meant to be credited to Sandy Bee!
Jewelry for a Good Cause
Stacey Hoy will be selling Origami Owl jewelry at the KOK Holiday Extravaganza on December 9, but you can also order online to take advantage of some amazing Black Friday deals. Stacey and her daughter Lilly are thankful for all the blessings that Alpha Chi Omega has given them, so to show their gratitude, Stacey will make a donation to Alpha Chi Omega based on her Black Friday sales. Buy a gift for a friend, or treat yourself--it's for a good cause!
Meet Your Board Members
Each month, we'll profile several board members so you can learn more about the KOK leadership team.
Alexa K. Apallas, VP Communications
Alexa was initiated into the Alpha Psi chapter at UCLA and graduated with a degree in English. She earned her master's degree from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, where she endured the second-worst blizzard of the century. Upon graduation, she fled Chicago and accepted the first job she could find back in California. She is, after all, a Northern California native. She and her husband, Greg Bible, have moved back and forth between Northern California and Southern California about every three years over the course of their 11-year marriage. They have now lived in Carlsbad for one year. Her parents, two younger brothers, sister-in-law, and adorable nephew all live in Napa.
Alexa is self-employed as a marketing copywriter and copy editor. In addition to stamping out apostrophe abuse and correcting egregious misspellings, she enjoys reading, wine tasting, dining out, cooking at home, travel, hiking, and yoga on the beach. Her burning desire is to write her second novel--and actually get this one published. She is also determined to see her byline on an article in a top women's magazine such as O, Glamour, or Real Simple. She credits her success to creative insight, meticulous attention to detail, a love of the written word, and an amazing support network, which includes her Alpha Chi sisters.
Linda Sheldone, VP Membership
Linda's hometown is Mercer Island, Washington, and she was initiated into the Rho chapter at the University of Washington. She now lives in Carlsbad with her husband of 26 years, Mark, their daughter, Alyssa, and a full menagerie: two dogs, two tortoises, a turtle, a parrot, a dragon, and a pond full of koi.
Linda is the owner of Sisterhood Seminars, which takes on tough topics like puberty, manners, and menopause, in a fun, interactive group setting. She is also the wound and ostomy director for Trio Home Health Care of San Diego. Her hobbies are snow skiing, serving as a Girl Scout leader and softball mom, and all things Alpha Chi Omega (not necessarily in that order). Her burning desire is to live permanently in Lake Tahoe.
For Linda, success means being her own boss and doing what she loves--she just wishes she didn't wait 50 years to do it. Learning to say "no" and reducing stress levels have also played a big part in Linda's success. Linda shares this advice for saying "no" gracefully: "It’s important to note that 'no' comes with a recommendation for another person who would be great for the requested task. Don’t underestimate the power of 'voluntolding' a younger person. Your faith in them goes a long way in empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators to step up and take charge (and takes a lot off of your own plate)!"
Stephanie Sibley, Lunch Bunch Chair
Stephanie is a San Diego native who was initiated into the Gamma Nu chapter at San Diego State University. She and her husband, Jack, lived all over the country because of his military career, but they now live in Carlsbad. She has a son, Robert, a daughter, Lisa, and four grandkids: Kai, Naia, Brianna, and Benjamin.
Stephanie is the owner of Charter Oak Preserving Company, which creates jams, jellies, chutneys, and other delicious specialty foods. She loves to cook, especially desserts, and has an extensive cookbook collection. Stephanie also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, reading, and talking walks, especially on the beach. Her burning desire is to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren so she can watch them grow up. She wants to continue traveling and would love to participate in an Alpha Chi Omega global initiative.
Learning from others, being a good friend, and exercising kindness and understanding have all helped Stephanie be successful. She knows when to challenge herself, when to ask for help, and how to grow with each new experience. She also pays attention to detail and provides great customer service in her business.
Alexa K. Apallas, VP Communications
Alexa was initiated into the Alpha Psi chapter at UCLA and graduated with a degree in English. She earned her master's degree from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, where she endured the second-worst blizzard of the century. Upon graduation, she fled Chicago and accepted the first job she could find back in California. She is, after all, a Northern California native. She and her husband, Greg Bible, have moved back and forth between Northern California and Southern California about every three years over the course of their 11-year marriage. They have now lived in Carlsbad for one year. Her parents, two younger brothers, sister-in-law, and adorable nephew all live in Napa.
Alexa is self-employed as a marketing copywriter and copy editor. In addition to stamping out apostrophe abuse and correcting egregious misspellings, she enjoys reading, wine tasting, dining out, cooking at home, travel, hiking, and yoga on the beach. Her burning desire is to write her second novel--and actually get this one published. She is also determined to see her byline on an article in a top women's magazine such as O, Glamour, or Real Simple. She credits her success to creative insight, meticulous attention to detail, a love of the written word, and an amazing support network, which includes her Alpha Chi sisters.
Linda Sheldone, VP Membership
Linda's hometown is Mercer Island, Washington, and she was initiated into the Rho chapter at the University of Washington. She now lives in Carlsbad with her husband of 26 years, Mark, their daughter, Alyssa, and a full menagerie: two dogs, two tortoises, a turtle, a parrot, a dragon, and a pond full of koi.
Linda is the owner of Sisterhood Seminars, which takes on tough topics like puberty, manners, and menopause, in a fun, interactive group setting. She is also the wound and ostomy director for Trio Home Health Care of San Diego. Her hobbies are snow skiing, serving as a Girl Scout leader and softball mom, and all things Alpha Chi Omega (not necessarily in that order). Her burning desire is to live permanently in Lake Tahoe.
For Linda, success means being her own boss and doing what she loves--she just wishes she didn't wait 50 years to do it. Learning to say "no" and reducing stress levels have also played a big part in Linda's success. Linda shares this advice for saying "no" gracefully: "It’s important to note that 'no' comes with a recommendation for another person who would be great for the requested task. Don’t underestimate the power of 'voluntolding' a younger person. Your faith in them goes a long way in empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators to step up and take charge (and takes a lot off of your own plate)!"
Stephanie Sibley, Lunch Bunch Chair
Stephanie is a San Diego native who was initiated into the Gamma Nu chapter at San Diego State University. She and her husband, Jack, lived all over the country because of his military career, but they now live in Carlsbad. She has a son, Robert, a daughter, Lisa, and four grandkids: Kai, Naia, Brianna, and Benjamin.
Stephanie is the owner of Charter Oak Preserving Company, which creates jams, jellies, chutneys, and other delicious specialty foods. She loves to cook, especially desserts, and has an extensive cookbook collection. Stephanie also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, reading, and talking walks, especially on the beach. Her burning desire is to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren so she can watch them grow up. She wants to continue traveling and would love to participate in an Alpha Chi Omega global initiative.
Learning from others, being a good friend, and exercising kindness and understanding have all helped Stephanie be successful. She knows when to challenge herself, when to ask for help, and how to grow with each new experience. She also pays attention to detail and provides great customer service in her business.
Sprinkles Supports Alpha Chi
On November 5, Sprinkles in La Jolla launched its new ice cream shop and donated 100% of the proceeds from all products purchased to customers who said, "I support Alpha Chi Omega." We collected $100, which will be added to the Iota Nu scholarship fund. Thanks to everyone who helped out by purchasing a sweet treat!
Show Your Alpha Chi Pride!
If you didn't vote on a t-shirt design last month, it's not too late! The holidays are coming, so why not put some new Greek gear on your wish list? Some sisters have expressed interest in ordering Alpha Chi Omega shirts that are not chapter-specific. Check out the design options below--you can choose a black or gray shirt with text in white or gold foil. Shirts with gold foil are $17.90 plus shipping, while shirts with white text are $16.49 plus shipping. Please note that we must order a minimum quantity to receive these prices.
If you're interested in ordering, use the online form to let us know which design you like best! By filling out the form, you're simply indicating your interest. We'll email everyone who responds with the final design and pricing prior to placing an order.
If you're interested in ordering, use the online form to let us know which design you like best! By filling out the form, you're simply indicating your interest. We'll email everyone who responds with the final design and pricing prior to placing an order.
Philanthropy Corner
Our philanthropic efforts make a big difference in women's lives. After KOK members collected toiletries and other items for Carol's House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, VP Philanthropy Donna Poey and several board members organized the items into bags and dropped them off with Rebecca Nussbaum, program manager, who sent us this lovely note of thanks:
Dear Donna and Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae,
I just wanted to thank you dearly for the 19 thoughtfully put together welcome bags. They are a wonderful addition to our program services and are placed on the bed of each new family that comes into the program. Annually, we serve over 60 households and 100 children a year and these welcome bags truly make the house feel like a home. Thank you for your generosity and care and please know that it is deeply appreciated.
Warmly,
Rebecca Nussbaum
Program Manager
Please help us make December a festive month for local families in need. We're collecting gift cards from Target, Kohl's, Ralphs, and Vons for the Embrace-a-Family program. You can bring your donation to our holiday party on December 9 or to the Lunch Bunch on December 17. If you can't make either event, please send your gift cards to Donna at 7814 Via Opuntia, Carlsbad, CA 92009.
Dear Donna and Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae,
I just wanted to thank you dearly for the 19 thoughtfully put together welcome bags. They are a wonderful addition to our program services and are placed on the bed of each new family that comes into the program. Annually, we serve over 60 households and 100 children a year and these welcome bags truly make the house feel like a home. Thank you for your generosity and care and please know that it is deeply appreciated.
Warmly,
Rebecca Nussbaum
Program Manager
Please help us make December a festive month for local families in need. We're collecting gift cards from Target, Kohl's, Ralphs, and Vons for the Embrace-a-Family program. You can bring your donation to our holiday party on December 9 or to the Lunch Bunch on December 17. If you can't make either event, please send your gift cards to Donna at 7814 Via Opuntia, Carlsbad, CA 92009.
National News
2016 National Convention
Registration for Convention 2016 will go live in early January, so be watching your email.
The alumna initiate program is looking for candidates that are interested in joining Alpha Chi Omega. There will be an initiation ceremony will take place at convention 2016 in Orlando. In other words, NOW is the time to start the process if any alumnae chapters have potential alumna initiates that they want to initiate at convention. It can take several months to complete the process. For additional information, contact Marsha Massel, Education and Engagement Coordinator.
Registration for Convention 2016 will go live in early January, so be watching your email.
The alumna initiate program is looking for candidates that are interested in joining Alpha Chi Omega. There will be an initiation ceremony will take place at convention 2016 in Orlando. In other words, NOW is the time to start the process if any alumnae chapters have potential alumna initiates that they want to initiate at convention. It can take several months to complete the process. For additional information, contact Marsha Massel, Education and Engagement Coordinator.
Lyre Spotting
Just for fun...send us your photos of lyres spotted in the wild! Once again, Pauline Nutt is the queen of lyre spotting--she found this one inside a friend's clock while visiting Honolulu. And Maya Botvinick spied lots of lyres on a recent trip to Disneyland.
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